Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2016 Source: Metro (Calgary, CN AB) Copyright: 2016 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Calgary Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4471 Author: Brodie Thomas Page: 9 MEDICAL POT USER FIGHTS DISMISSAL Marijuana use big issue for employers, expert says Darrin Rogowski said he is launching a human rights complaint after his employer let him go in late July because he uses medical marijuana after hours. Rogowski, 30, was working for Inertia Environmental - an Okotoks-based hydrovacing company. He worked on the company's trucks, which use high-pressure water to move earth when excavation by other means isn't allowed. "When I got my medical marijuana licence back in May, I told one of my supervisors I had it, and nothing else was really said about it," he said. But on July 27, he was told he would be let go since they knew he could not pass a urine test. "I said, 'Well, I can get a letter from my doctor stating I don't do it at work. I'd be fine at work,'" said Rogowski. "I don't see what the big deal is. It's like taking a Tylenol or any other prescription." Rogowski uses marijuana for chronic back and neck pain after being in several car accidents. He said he's also been diagnosed with glaucoma, although he hasn't discussed marijuana use with his ophthalmologist. Rogowski said he only uses it in the evening for pain relief and as a sleep aid. Metro contacted Inertia Environmental but the company declined to comment on the case. However Neil Tidsbury, president of Construction Labour Relations (CLR), said authorized marijuana use is becoming a much bigger issue for employers in the construction industry who have to balance the rights and safety of all workers on the jobsite. He said no level of government has helped employers navigate this tricky situation. "The legislative guidance as to what employers should do in these cases is pretty much a vacuum," said Tidsbury. Rogowski has mailed a complaint to Alberta Human Rights Commission. "They said I have a case, but again it's kind of unprecedented territory right now," he said. "Companies right now don't know what they should be doing. Even if I don't get my job back, maybe it will open eyes to change laws. " - --- MAP posted-by: Matt